Package for dispensing products

ABSTRACT

A package for dispensing products. The package has a substantially rectangular-shaped bottom panel joined to four side walls, each of which meet adjacent side walls to form an open, four-sided enclosure. A first side of each side wall defines an interior sidewall portion and a second side of each side wall defines an exterior sidewall portion. The interior sidewall portions are substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel. The exterior sidewall portions of a first pair of opposing sidewalls are substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel. The exterior sidewall portions of a second pair of opposing sidewalls are substantially at an angle less than a right angle with respect to the bottom panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to packaging for dispensing products, particularly disposable paper products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable paper products in the form of paper towels, toilet tissue, and table napkins find great utility among users who value affordability, ease of use, and disposability. Paper products are used in virtually every household, including in kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, and garages. In each setting various dispensers are known. Paper towels, for example, are often dispensed from a horizontally-disposed bar, from which they can be unrolled one at a time. Likewise, toilet tissue is known to be dispensed from wall-mounted horizontally-disposed rolls.

Paper table napkins are generally not provided in roll form, but instead are provided in folded, stacked form. Paper table napkins, such as Bounty® Quilted Napkins, can be formed from a 12-inch by 12-inch one ply paper folded twice to form a 6-inch by 6-inch folded paper napkin, which can then be supplied as a stack of napkins ready for use.

Because paper table napkins are provided in folded, stacked form, dispensers for holding such napkins come in a variety of forms. Some dispensers are essentially box-like, open-top enclosures, in which the stack of napkins lie flat. Some dispensers are essentially parallel panels between which a stack of napkins can stand in a vertical orientation.

Known configurations of napkin dispensers have drawbacks, including cost, effectiveness, and general consumer acceptance. For example, flat-stacked dispensers are generally inexpensive and unattractive, or expensive and attractive. Vertical-stack dispensers can also be expensive and/or unattractive for home use, and can also be generally difficult to use because of the changing width of a stack of napkins.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a napkin dispenser that is both relatively inexpensive, and attractive for use.

Further there is a need for a durable, inexpensive napkin dispenser for home use.

There is also an unmet need for an attractive dispenser suitable for kitchen or dining room use which is durable, inexpensive, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A package for dispensing products is disclosed. The package has a substantially rectangular-shaped bottom panel joined to four side walls, each of which meet adjacent side walls to form an open, four-sided enclosure. A first side of each side wall defines an interior sidewall portion and a second side of each side wall defines an exterior sidewall portion. The interior sidewall portions are substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel. The exterior sidewall portions of a first pair of opposing sidewalls are substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel. The exterior sidewall portions of a second pair of opposing sidewalls are substantially at an angle less than a right angle with respect to the bottom panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of Section 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of Section 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example of die cut paper stock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A napkin dispenser of the present invention can be made from a die-cut blank of relatively heavy paper stock, such that when folded in a predetermined manner forms what can be called an open top box structure, referred to herein as a package for dispensing products, or, alternatively, a dispenser.

A dispenser 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 is one embodiment of the invention, illustrating certain beneficial features of the invention. Dispenser 10 can be made of paper, heavy paper stock, plastic, or any other flexible, formable sheet material. In an embodiment, the dispenser 10 can be made from 16 pt. to 20 pt. 100% bleach, virgin board. In an embodiment, the dispenser 10 can be made from 100% recycled board (e.g., CCNB—clay-coated newsback). In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 is made from 18 pt. SBS (solid bleached sulfite) paper stock, printed on one or both sides, cut into a predetermined shape, and folded into a final box-like configuration. In an embodiment, the paper stock can be printed on a UV offset press. In an embodiment, the printing can be a high-gloss varnish, or a dual matte/high gloss varnish.

Dispenser 10 has a bottom 12 and sidewalls 14 joined to the bottom to form an open-top box-like structure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 has four sidewalls 14 and forms a generally square-shaped enclosure defining an interior portion 11 intended to hold a stack of generally square-shaped napkins. Of course, the general shape can be any shape, and can be a shape conforming to the general shape of product to be dispensed. Thus, if paper napkins stacked flat are to be dispensed, the shape of the interior portion 11 can conform to the shape of the napkins. If folded paper napkins have a generally rectangular shape, sidewalls 14 can be dimensioned to form an interior portion 11 having a generally rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 1. By way of example, to hold flat-stacked plurality of folded napkins having a generally 6-inch by 6-inch square shape, the length of sidewalls 14 can be about 6 inches long, such that the dispenser bottom 12 is generally square with an area of about 36 square inches. Of course, any other length dimension for walls 14 can be used, resulting in any desired shape and area of bottom 12.

Sidewalls 14 each have interior portions 16 and exterior portions 18. In an embodiment, the angle made between bottom 12 and any one of the interior sidewall portions 16 is about ninety degrees, or a right angle, as indicated at 13 in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the angle made between bottom 12 and each of the interior sidewall portions 16 is about ninety degrees, or a right angle. In this manner, the interior sidewall portions 16 cooperate with bottom 12 to define a straight-sided, generally rectangular-shaped interior portion 11 for receiving and dispensing a flat stack of similarly shaped napkins. In an embodiment, napkins rest in a stack on bottom 12 and are constrained in a generally orderly stack by interior sidewall portions 16 during dispensing.

In an embodiment, dispenser 10 can have a thumb slot 20 in the form of a notch, slot, or other opening that permits access to a portion of an edge of a napkin when the napkin is in the dispenser. In use, napkins can be accessed and removed by grasping an exposed edge portion in the thumb slot 20 and lifting and/or pulling. Grasping can be with a thumb and forefinger (thus the terminology “thumb” slot) or any other suitable manner.

Generally straight-walled box-like dispensers are not aesthetically pleasing. To provide for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, and to aid in overall stability, a dispenser 10 of the present invention can have sidewalls 14 with exterior portions 18 that are not oriented at right angles with respect to bottom 12. That is, the exterior sidewall portions 18 can be oriented at an angle less than or greater than a right angle with respect to the bottom 12. Cross-sectional views of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show in more detail the possible configurations of sidewalls 14 and their orientation with respect to bottom 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, at least one sidewall 14 can have a structure such that both the interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 are oriented at substantially a right angle with respect to the bottom 12. In the embodiment shown, sidewall 14 is formed from paper stock folded over on itself at top edge 22 to form a double thickness of paper stock. The double thickness of paper stock is configured such that each layer is substantially adjacent the other along its entire area, such that the two layers of paper stock forming sidewall 14 in FIG. 2 cooperate to form a single, straight-sided sidewall 14, each side of which is substantially perpendicular to bottom 12. In an embodiment, two opposing sidewalls, such as sidewalls 24 in FIG. 1, are each configured as shown in FIG. 2, such that two opposing sidewalls each cooperate to form a single, straight-sided wall, each side of which is substantially perpendicular to bottom 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, at least one sidewall 14 can have a structure such that one or both the interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 are oriented at substantially a right angle with respect to the bottom 12 and one or both the interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 can be oriented at an angle substantially less than or greater than a right angle with respect to the bottom 12. By “less than or greater than” with respect to a right angle is meant an angle a defined by bottom 12 and a hypothetical panel extending from fold 30 to top edge 22, shown in FIG. 3 as dashed line 28. In an embodiment, sidewall portion 18 can curve, forming a smooth-curved, outwardly protruding panel, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, sidewall 14 is formed from a paper stock folded over on itself at top edge 22 to form a double thickness of paper stock, but the panels of the double thickness do not lie substantially adjacent one another, but are separated by a gap of varying width. In this manner, the two layers of paper stock cooperate to form a wall having an angled exterior wall portion 18, and a straight-sided interior wall portion 16 which is substantially perpendicular to bottom 12. As will become evident below, panel 36 is part of sidewall 24 that has been folded and resides inside, between panels 16 and 18. In an embodiment, two opposing sidewalls 14, such as sidewalls 26 in FIG. 1, are each configured as shown in FIG. 3, such that two opposing sidewalls 26 each form straight-sided interior sidewall portions 16 and sloping, optionally curvilinear, exterior sidewall portions 18.

In an embodiment, exterior sidewall portion 18 of sidewalls 26 can have openings 34 which can be die-cut shaped openings in the shape of geometric shapes, flowers, hearts, and the like. Openings 34 provide for an attractive visual effect by allowing a line of sight from outside package 10 to panel 36 or other surfaces lying interior to the gap defined between interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 of sidewalls 26. For example, a visually attractive printed color or pattern can be printed on panel 36, such that upon viewing package 10, a line of sight through opening(s) 34 extends through exterior sidewall portion 18 and to the printed portion of panel 36. In this manner, due to the separation formed by the gap defined between interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 of sidewalls 26, shadowing and spacing combine to form a pleasing depth of field visual effect.

Top edge 22 of at least one sidewall 14 can be folded to have a radius of curvature R measured to an outside surface as shown in FIG. 4, of between about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm. The radius of curvature R provides for a smooth and/or smoothly rounded, top edge 22.

The overall configuration of package 10 has several benefits associated with dispensing products, such as paper napkins The presence of sidewall portions 14 that extend at an angle less than a right angle, provide for an extended bottom portion, shown as extended bottom portion 37 in FIG. 3, which portion serves to provide for added stability when in use. The extended bottom portion 37 effectively increases the surface area of bottom 12, which can have from 5% to 40% more surface area than the area of the top opening, defined by the perimeter of top edges 22. The added surface area aids in preventing package 10 from tipping when one is reaching in and/or removing a napkin from the interior portion 11 of package 10. By having one pair of opposing sidewalls extend at an angle less that a right angle, and another pair of opposing sidewalls substantially at a right angle, the package 10 can have a balance of added stability together with at least one wall having a wall thickness permitting slots, such as a thumb slot 20 as described above. Another benefit of package 10, is that despite the presence of sidewall portions 18 that extend at an angle less than a right angle, all interior sidewall portions 16 can form a substantially right angle with respect to bottom 12. This provides for an interior portion 11 that can be sized to the size of a stack of napkins, and keep the stack of napkins generally stacked in a stack where the edges of each napkin in the stack align generally with the edges of other napkins in the stack. In other words, the interior sidewall portions 16 of package 10 can help keep a stack of napkins straight, neat, and orderly. Another benefit of package 10 is the presence of openings 34, which, due to the gap defined between interior sidewall portion 16 and exterior sidewall portion 18 of sidewalls 26, provides for an aesthetic benefit, providing a pleasing visual effect to a user of package 10. The smooth and/or smoothly rounded, top edge 22 provides for a better user experience when the user's hand contacts top edge 22. Unlike prior art packages, such as tissue boxes, in which the hand-contacting edge is a single thickness of paperboard, the rounded top edge 22 of package 10 is smooth and rounded. In some embodiments, due to the type of paper stock utilized, and/or the type of printing utilized, top edge 22 can provide for a glossy smooth finish that is both visually attractive and tactilely pleasing.

FIG. 5 shows a representative blank 40 of paperboard suitable for folding into a package 10 of the present invention. Blank 40 can be pre-cut, such as by die-cutting, as is known in the art of package blank making, and fold lines can be marked, scored, embossed, densified, or otherwise prepared for folding by means known in the art. All dimensions can be determined by the skilled person according the desired finished size and shape.

Blank 40 comprises various foldable panels, each connected as shown to adjacent panels, and numbered as shown in FIG. 5 for ease of folding description. The following folding description is exemplary, and non-limiting. In the following description “upwardly” is with respect to the view shown in FIG. 5, and is intended to be out of the plane of FIG. 5 toward the viewer. In the following description “inwardly” is intended to mean inward relative to the finished package.

Panels 50 are each folded upwardly at Fold A and over to form a double thickness of paperboard with panels 52. As is evident, the externally exposed surface of Fold A forms top edge 22 of sidewall portions 24. An opening, such as opening 42 can be formed across Fold A, such that upon folding, opening 42 forms thumb slot 20 of finished package 10. Adjacent panels 50 and 52 can then be folded upwardly at Fold B to a position substantially at right angles to panel 56 (which forms bottom 12 of finished package 10) to complete sidewall portions 24 of finished package 10.

Next, each panel 54 can be folded inwardly sufficient to engage an opposing panel 54 via tab 46 and slit 44 connection means. Panels 54 form panels 36 of finished package 10.

Next, panels 60 are folded upwardly about Fold E until they are approximately at right angles with their respective panels 64. Panels 62 are folded downwardly about Fold F until they are approximately at right angles with their respective panels 64.

Next, panels 58 are folded upwardly at Fold D, and panels 64 are folded inwardly at Fold G over the top of interlocked panels 54. Once folded over, panels 64 can be slid against bottom panel 56, and glued into place at panel 62 or otherwise interlocked into place by fitting panels 60 and/or 62 or other panels into place. For example, in one embodiment, panels 60 can be fit into openings formed by the irregular shape of panels 50 as shown in FIG. 5, and “locked” so to speak, in place, without the use of glue or other adhesive. Similar non-glue locking mechanisms can be utilized.

As can be appreciated by the description herein, the sloping, optionally curvilinear, exterior sidewall portions 18 can be achieved by variously placing Fold D outwardly from the position represented in FIG. 5. For example, as shown in dashed line in FIG. 5, Fold D can be in the position denoted as Fold D′ and simultaneously appropriately sizing panel 58, which becomes exterior sidewall portion 18 in finished package 10.

Other advantages and benefits are achieved by the package 10 described herein. In an embodiment, blank 40 can be printed on one side (the side away from the viewer as viewed in FIG. 5), yet when folded as described, result in a package 10 having printed matter on all sides of all sidewalls 14. Thus, in a simplified manner, printing of colors, patterns, designs, and the like can be done economically on one side of blank 40, and yet when package 10 is in its folded form all four sidewalls 14 can visible printed matter.

In an embodiment, sidewalls 14 can have printed thereon various indicia indicating to a user that the stack of product, such as paper napkins, is low, and new product should be obtained. For example, a horizontal line at a predetermined height from bottom 12 can indicate the product supply is low. The line can be accompanied by textual indicia, such as “time to reorder.” In an embodiment reorder information can be printed onto bottom 12 such that it is visible once the last of the product has been removed.

In another embodiment, rather than opening 42 providing for thumb slot 20, a partially perforated portion which can follow the lines indicating opening 42 can allow for a portion of the opening to be removed, hinged inwardly, and providing a spring-biased “finger” resting on the topmost napkin in a stack of napkins.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A package for dispensing products, the package comprising: a. a substantially rectangular-shaped bottom panel (12) joined to four side walls (14), each of which meet adjacent side walls to form an open, four-sided enclosure wherein a first side of each side wall defines an interior sidewall portion (16) and a second side of each side wall defines an exterior sidewall portion (18); b. the interior sidewall portions (16) being substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel (12); c. the exterior sidewall portions of a first pair of opposing sidewalls being substantially at a right angle to the bottom panel (12); and d. the exterior sidewall portions of a second pair of opposing sidewalls being substantially at an angle less than a right angle with respect to the bottom panel (12).
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein said package comprises paper stock and each said side wall comprises a double thickness of said paper stock.
 3. The package of claim 2, wherein said paper stock in one of said double thickness comprises an opening through which the other of said double thickness is visible.
 4. The package of claim 1, further comprising a thumb slot in at least one said side wall.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein said package comprises a single blank of folded paper stock.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein said package does not comprise glue.
 7. The package of claim 1, said package being folded from a die-cut blank of paper stock, and further comprising printed matter on at least one side of said paper stock prior to folding, wherein after folding said printed matter is disposed on both of said interior sidewall portions and said exterior sidewall portions.
 8. The package of claim 7, wherein said printed matter is on one side only of a blank of paper stock material folded to form said package.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein said package comprises paper stock having printed matter thereon and at least one said side wall comprises an opening through which a portion of said printed matter on another panel portion is visible.
 10. The package of claim 9, wherein said printed matter comprises decorative indicia and said opening is in the shape of said decorative indicia. 